Tejiri Ebikeme,

THE General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup has said that Chevron is committed to improving the quality of education in the country.

Speaking in Warri at the 2013 edition Award Ceremony of the National Chemistry (Awokoya Memorial) Competition, Mr. Haastrup stressed the importance of education in the development of any country.

Speaking through the Warri Area Manager of CNL, Mr. Tunji Idowu, Mr. Haastrup stated that; “The NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture is committed to contributing towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria because education is important for the development of the country. Over the years, we have demonstrated commitment to qualitative education through investments in education infrastructure, sponsorship of manpower development programs and provision of scholarships. Our corporate belief is that education remains a veritable tool for personal and societal growth and sustainable development. We are pleased that our contributions to education are helping to improve the ability of Nigeria to develop quality manpower in different fields.”

According to him; “With the support and commitments of the Delta State Ministry of Education and the Chemical Society of Nigeria, we are sure that the Awokoya Memorial Competition in Chemistry will continue to stimulate students’ interest in the study of Chemistry and other science and technology subjects. That aspiration also underscores our commitment to the sponsorship of the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition for schools in Delta State. Apart from immortalizing the persons who these competitions are named after, they also help the students to develop their mental aptitude for their personal development and the benefit of the society.”

He disclosed that “I am  glad to note that the two Delta State candidates; Victor Durojaiye and Wisdom Oguns, came second and third respectively in this year’s competition, narrowly missing the star prize the State’s candidate won last year. On behalf of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, I congratulate them for their excellent performance.”

“Apart from the excellent performance feedback we have been receiving on former winners of the Awokoya Memorial Competition in Chemistry at the national chemistry competitions, we are also aware that there has been great interest of secondary school students in the study of Chemistry in Delta State and remarkable improvement in performances in the subject since the introduction of the competition some years ago,” he said.

He also said; “The Awokoya Chemistry competition was initiated by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture to promote the study of the subject among secondary school students of Delta State and in memory of Professor Stephen Awokoya, a great Chemist, who died on March 15, 1985. The intent is to use the competition to promote the teaching and learning of Chemistry in Nigeria. Consequently, every time we gather to recognize those who have excelled in the competition, we feel a sense of fulfillment because whereas, only a few students can be accommodated for this ceremony, hundreds of students turn in entries and are stimulated to take a deeper interest at the subject.”

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare who was represented by Dr. Mike Emeshili lauded the contribution of Chevron to the development of education in the state, urging other companies to emulate the company.

The 2013 Individual Award Winners include; Oguns Oghenetega Wisdom of Lords and Kings Academy, Warri (1^st Prize); Durojaiye Victor of Our Saviour Secondary School, Sapele (2^nd Prize); Ajari Ejiroghene Esther of Merit Mixed Secondary School, Sapele (3^rd Prize) and Azuonwu God’sWork Odinwa of College of Education Demonstration Secondary School, Warri (3^rd Prize).

Six others got consolation prizes just as four teachers also went home with prizes.